Our first Student Story is about Ellie, a Year 9 student at Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge, who has shown extraordinary determination in working towards a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Ellie's Story:

Q: Tell us about what you’ve been up to?
I was successful at an overnight “interview” where I had to demonstrate leadership, camping and camp craft skills, and as a result I was selected to attend the World Guides trip to Canada in Summer 2027.

I set myself a big challenge to fundraise to cover the £3,500 cost by kayaking 75 miles of the River Thames over four days. While preparing for my kayaking challenge, I also did dog walking and made earrings and keyrings to sell at local craft fairs.

I completed the kayak challenge at the end of the summer holidays and managed to exceed my fundraising target. As a thank you for all the support I’ve received, I plan to gift £200 each to Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge and Sonning Common Primary (which is my former school). I’m now working with both schools to decide how the funds will be used.

Q: Tell us about what this means to you?
Attending the Guides trip is important to me because I want to experience how Canadian Guides works – what’s the same and what works differently. I am also keen to explore Canada especially cities like Toronto, the culture and the natural environment which I’ve been told is amazing. 

Q: Did anyone help you along the way?
My mum, dad, Nanna and Poppa helped me loads.

My mum joined me on the kayak challenge, kept me going and was great company. My dad was the planner, he mapped routes, avoided tides and kept us within the rules, which was especially important in Central London on the last day. My Nanna and Poppa were my biggest supporters and did a great job of encouraging me when I was tired.

Q: What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
On day two of the kayak trip we faced a headwind for miles. It felt like I was barely moving forward - almost backwards! Getting through that day was the toughest part.

Q: What have you learnt from this experience?
When I set my mind to something, I will go ahead and be successful.

Q: What are you most proud of?
Completing the kayak trip, especially day two, when I paddled for 11 hours. Overcoming that so early gave me confidence to finish the rest. 

I am also proud of being selected for the Guides trip in the first place. There were 22 girls who applied, and I was one of only 8 chosen.

Q: Is there anything you would like to say to others?
I’d like to thank everyone who encouraged me over the last few months and of course to all those who donated.

We’d like to congratulate Ellie on a fantastic achievement and for being an inspiration to others. Amazing!